I bought a used E-7 loco. It is in a like new condition, but it has smoke fluid inside. I do not smoke my locos and I think I have to run it until the smoke fluid is depleted before I can turn it over to lubricate it properly. My problem is that the smoking locos irritate my throat and lungs. I have been told that you can not turn the loco over without making a mess.
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Not really true, if you're using a cradle, just put a folded up rag over the stack to catch any drips. The standard treatment for a locomotive that has had too much fluid added is to set it upside down and drain the fluid.
FWIW, you're likely not going to see anything come out anyway. Unless the previous owner drowned it in fluid, it should be contained by the wick. In any case, you won't hurt it by flipping it over.
Be sure to turn the smoke unit off before running. the smoke will be worse without smoke fluid and the unit on.
Also, if the smoke irritates you, try setting the loco's center on a block of wood on an outside table, run jumpers to a center pickup and ground, and let it burn off the smoke outdoors... 
Mitch
Am I missing something? Who told you that you need to remove the smoke fluid? Just turn the smoke unit off. Leave whatever fluid is left on the wick.
Also, always specify what model you have. Brand, model number, etc. That helps people answer your questions more accurately.
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